Steve Kerr Believes Mavericks Could 'Refresh and Recharge' Klay Thompson's Career

Steve Kerr reflects on Klay Thompson's move to the Mavericks after 13 years with the Warriors, discussing why it's the fresh start Thompson needed for his career.

Sep 25, 2024

DALLAS — Klay Thompson’s move to the Dallas Mavericks marks a significant transition for both the player and the team he left behind, the Golden State Warriors. After a 13-year run that saw him win four NBA championships, earn five All-Star selections, and set many three-point shooting records, Thompson is now ready to begin a new chapter alongside Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving.

Thompson is coming off a season where he averaged 17.9 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game while shooting 38.7% from beyond the arc on nine attempts per game. In February, Thompson was moved into a bench role after being a longtime starter, a shift that eventually signaled the need for a fresh opportunity. By the offseason, it became clear that a change was the best path forward for both Thompson and the Warriors.

After drawing interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Thompson committed to the Mavericks on a three-year, $50 million contract in free agency. The move to Dallas was facilitated by a historic six-team sign-and-trade orchestrated by the Warriors and Mavericks, which sent Josh Green to the Charlotte Hornets.

Kerr on Thompson’s Departure: A New Beginning

During an appearance on The TK Show with The San Francisco Standard’s Tim Kawakami, Kerr reflected on the process that led to Thompson’s decision to join the Mavericks. "Yeah, there were signs," Kerr said. “Obviously, none of us knew what would happen, we all wanted him to stay. I wanted Klay to be a Warrior for life, it felt like the right thing.”

Despite the long-term desire to keep Thompson with the Warriors, Kerr recognized that by the end of last season, Thompson had made up his mind. "You never really know what the right thing is for someone else, only that person knows," Kerr added. "And I think by the end of the year, I think Klay knew for his own sake that he wanted to leave."

Kerr believes that the move to Dallas is ultimately a positive step for Thompson, giving him a chance to reset. "I’m happy for him, I think this will be a great move," Kerr said. "He’s going to play for a great team, two high-level creators [Luka Dončić and Kyrie Irving], he should get a lot of open shots. I think sometimes a career change, a late-career change can refresh and recharge you."

Klay Thompson Embraces His Fresh Start in Dallas

Thompson himself is thrilled about the opportunity to begin anew with the Mavericks. During his introductory press conference in July, Thompson spoke about why Dallas was such an attractive destination and how the move reinvigorated his passion for the game.

"Coming here is just such a fresh start," Thompson said. "Feeling just wanted again, like I bring great value, it just gets me excited to go out there and even work out after this press conference and get shots up. Yeah, there were times last year where it was tough, where it wasn’t as joyful as it was in the past."

For Thompson, Dallas represented the perfect landing spot, both in terms of the team’s potential and the organization’s commitment to its players.

"Dallas was so attractive because of the young players," Thompson explained. "They have the style of play. The world-class treatment these players get from this organization and just a beautiful city who loves their hoops."

Thompson’s Fit in Dallas’ Offensive System

Thompson has no doubts about how well his game will fit within Dallas’ system, particularly with Dončić and Irving commanding so much attention from opposing defenses. The Mavericks, fresh off an NBA Finals run in which they struggled with perimeter shooting, needed an elite shooter, and Thompson saw an immediate opportunity to contribute.

"When I was watching the playoffs and I’m watching the Mavs make a run for the championship, I just saw myself fitting in really well with this team," Thompson said. "And the personnel, they look like they have fun playing with each other and they play for each other. That was very attractive to me, and that’s really all I needed to see."

Despite a slight dip in his numbers, Thompson believes that with Dončić and Irving drawing defenders, he will get plenty of open looks to continue excelling as one of the league’s top shooters. No player was blitzed more than Dončić last season, while Irving commands heavy attention in his own right—resulting in defenses having to make daunting split-second judgment calls—whether to help on a drive or to stay home on Thompson while he’s spacing the floor.

"I don’t think you can stick to me as much as you could in the past with guys like Luka and Kai out there," Thompson said. "That’s what also was very attractive for me. I’m just excited. I still think I can do what I’ve been able to do, and it’s just about being in the best shape I could possibly be, but I know I can help this team, whether it’s the knowledge I’ve gained or big scoring nights. I just still know I can be a very, very good player in this league."

There will naturally be an adjustment for Thompson considering he’s coming from a much more motion-based offense. There is overlap since teams tend to run a lot of the same actions, but the approach Dallas has is still heavily focused on creating and attacking mismatches through screening. Regardless, Thompson’s versatility as a shooter and general off-ball gravity will enhance this Mavericks offense.

Building Chemistry with a New Team

Part of Thompson’s excitement comes from the fresh start he’s getting with a new set of teammates. At 34, he’s joining a younger roster, and he’s ready to embrace his role as a veteran leader. Before participating in the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation Tennis Classic, Thompson took part in a voluntary mini-camp in Los Angeles with the Mavericks' non-international players. A California native who calls Los Angeles home during the NBA offseason, Thompson also organized a team bonding trip to Catalina Island, recognizing the importance of building chemistry before the grind of the season begins.

"It’s been a pleasure getting to know the guys," Thompson said. "We had a great crossing… those moments as teammates are the ones you cherish for life."

Now, as the season approaches, Thompson is fully focused on his new team and his role in helping them take the next step. "It’s nice to kind of shed that and have a whole new fresh start, whole new group of guys to get to know, co-workers, whole new city," Thompson said. "It’s really cool, and I’m going to embrace the heck out of this opportunity."

Earlier in the offseason, Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd expressed his excitement about Thompson’s arrival, particularly how he will fit alongside Dončić and Irving. Kidd also credited Irving’s influence in helping recruit Thompson to Dallas, given their long-standing friendship as former teammates on Team USA—highlighted by winning a gold medal in 2016 at the Rio Olympic Games. At the height of the Warriors dynasty, the two also competed in numerous NBA Finals showdowns. They’re also both ANTA athletes—a company Irving serves as Chief Creative Officer.

"Kai being able to, player to player, [detail] his experience of what Dallas has been like for him… and being able to tell Klay the honest truth of what he thinks can happen with Klay coming to Dallas," Kidd said on NBC Sports Bay Area's Dubs Talk.

Kidd highlighted Thompson’s championship pedigree and fearless attitude in big moments as critical assets for a Mavericks team looking to take the next step.

"We truly believe that he gives us something that we haven't had, a guy who's not afraid to take the shot," Kidd said. "He's been in championship situations. He understands what it means… We believe that we're building a championship team. And his being a veteran, his experience being in big games, and then being able to play both ends, we truly believe that he's going to make a lot of open shots for us and have fun."

Kidd emphasized Thompson’s ability to step up in crucial moments, providing the Mavericks with another player who is comfortable under the bright lights of the postseason. "We're going to lean on him because he has won a championship," Kidd said. "We're going to need his advice and his leadership throughout this journey."

Thompson Looks Forward to a Championship Run

The Mavericks were just three wins away from an NBA championship last season, and Thompson believes the team is on the brink of greatness. He views himself as a key addition that can help push the Mavericks over the top.

"We’re knocking on the door, and that’s what really got me excited to be here," Thompson said. "I know I can help this team, whether it’s hitting big shots or using the knowledge I’ve gained from my career..."

The Mavericks, who have been aggressive in building a roster around Dončić, also added Naji Marshall, Quentin Grimes, and Spencer Dinwiddie in addition to Thompson, while parting ways with Derrick Jones Jr. and Green. With these new pieces in place, Thompson is confident that Dallas can make another deep postseason run and potentially win the franchise’s second NBA title.

"I look forward to just kind of being rejuvenated here—a lot of good basketball left in the tank," Thompson said.

Kerr’s Final Thoughts on Thompson’s Legacy

While it will undoubtedly be strange for many to see Thompson in a different jersey, his place in Warriors history is secure. The Golden State faithful will always hold him in high regard, and there’s no doubt that when Dallas visits Chase Center on Nov. 12, Thompson will receive a hero's welcome.

As Thompson starts his new chapter in Dallas, Kerr reflects on what Thompson meant to the Warriors and the legacy he left behind.

"I’m going to miss him, no question," Kerr said. "But I’m happy for him. He deserves this opportunity to go somewhere new and continue to show everyone why he’s one of the best shooters and competitors this league has ever seen."

For Thompson, the move to Dallas represents both an ending and a beginning—a chance to reflect on his past successes and an opportunity to create new ones.

"We can do something special here," Thompson said confidently, ready to take on the next phase of his career.

Thompson will participate in his first NBA training camp outside of the Warriors organization beginning on Oct. 1 with the Mavericks in Las Vegas. The team felt the bonding element of their 12-day international trip last season with stops in Abu Dhabi and Madrid proved valuable but wanted less mileage involved to hold camp outside of the Dallas area this time.

Dallas Hoops Journal

Discussion about this post